MINOR AILMENT SCHEME

More than 7000 Canterbury families have got free advice and treatment from their community pharmacy for things such as skin and eye infections, acute diarrhoea and headlice under a government-funded scheme to give families more access to consultations for common conditions over the winter months.

Christchurch father of four Te-Mairiki Tuatini was one of those who used the Minor Health Conditions Service since it was introduced in mid-June. The service runs until the end of September.

Tuatini recently rang his general practice to make an appointment for his 11-year-old son’s skin infection and his 3-year-old son’s flu. The GP told him the local community pharmacy could help.

“Getting free treatment for our boys’ skin infection and nasty flu at the pharmacy made a big difference for my family. It gave my partner and I a lot of relief, my sons got the medicine they needed, and we had money left for things like nappies and food.”

Tuatini’s family got access to advice and treatment from his community pharmacy as part of Te Whatu Ora’s Winter Plan to reduce pressure on primary and hospital services and better use the skilled network of community pharmacists.  Māori and Pacific, children under the age of 14 and their whānau, and Community Service Card holders get free consultation and treatment for certain minor ailments until the end of September.

According to Te Whatu Ora, more than 700 families a week in Canterbury have used the Minor Health Conditions Service since it began in mid-June. The service covers a range of common conditions such as skin and eye infections, headlice, pain and fever, acute diarrhoea, and dehydration.

Tuatini says he was surprised and thrilled with the service.

“The pharmacist told me to put my money away because there was a scheme for winter that provided’.”

Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group general manager Aarti Patel says community pharmacists are providing more expert advice and care for their communities than ever.

“Many people have long-time relationships with their community pharmacies as well as their general practitioners. Over winter pharmacists and their staff have helped thousands of people with common health conditions and vaccinations and are really pleased to be playing a greater role as part of the health system in helping people stay healthy and get well.

Published on 7th of September 2023 in the The Star Newspaper.